Starting your journey
What being an actuary means
Actuaries manage risk to make sure people and organizations are prepared for whatever challenges or opportunities we might face. We are problem solvers that apply our knowledge of math, statistics, data modelling and analytics, and business to help Canadians face their financial future with confidence. Actuaries can work in traditional fields such as insurance, retirement and investments, but have an increasing sphere of influence in Canada and globally.
If you enjoy math, helping people and taking on complex challenges, this might be the career for you. Are you a math-loving high school student exploring career paths? Visit All About Actuaries to learn what it’s like to be an actuary and chat with AI to see how the problem-solving actuaries do with math is related to risk.
Explore our new siteThe future of actuarial science
What actuaries do constantly evolves with the world around us. Our role adapts to align with increasing globalization, advancements in technology and automation, emerging challenges like climate change and the corresponding shifts in what organizations need. With strong communication, technical, analytical and risk management skills, along with unequalled professionalism, actuaries have the opportunity to become brilliant business strategists and effectively lead businesses forward. CIA members are leading the way.
Canadian education for actuaries
Canadian education in actuarial science is world-renowned. Dedicated to the development of high-quality actuarial programs, the CIA assesses universities to ensure they have the people, structure and resources to deliver the fundamentals of actuarial education. Programs that have demonstrated their quality and rigour are added to the CIA’s University Accreditation Program. Furthermore, the CIA itself has a robust education and qualification system that provides innovative, flexible and accessible options for candidates with diverse backgrounds and career goals.
Pursue your professional designation
An ACIA designation shows potential employers, clients and other professionals that you possess the knowledge and skills to be an effective and professional actuary. An FCIA designation demonstrates that you possess a particular and highly sought-after professional skillset and the experience to apply it in a specialized way. Both designations can help advance your career and open new opportunities in traditional and emerging areas of actuarial science.
As a CIA member, you are part of the premier actuarial community in Canada. Your credentials show employers, regulators and the public that you are committed to the highest level of professionalism and actuarial expertise. And you are backed by a profession that punches above its weight class – creating opportunities across Canada and around the world.
The CIA education system is designed to help enhance the value and recognition our designations hold internationally over time. The CIA currently has mutual recognition agreements in place with actuarial organizations in several countries.
Qualification pathways
Three qualification pathways have been developed to provide an inclusive approach to becoming an ACIA or FCIA.
Explore the pathwaysTestimonials
“It’s a business job, it’s a people job, it’s a math job, it’s a decision-maker job.”
– Harold Remisiar, FCIA
“What I like is that we get to see our impact directly onto the company and clients. It’s beyond the numbers. We’re actually making a difference in people’s lives”.
– Salina Young, FCIA
“I think actuarial science can be used pretty much in every industry. Our work for the most part speaks for itself.”
– Navaz Cassam, FCIA
“I get to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry and help them think through their most challenging problems.”
– Melissa Carruthers, FCIA